According to ChargedEV, while the gap between companies using or considering using EVs and companies which have no charging facilities at their place of business is smaller than expected, it is overshadowed by lack of future-proofing of charging infrastructure for businesses which do have charging facilities in place.
With the latest research suggesting that 33% of companies using or considering using EVs have no charging points at their company premises, the leading EV charging provider, ChargedEV finds that a bigger problem facing the industry is the amount of stop gap charging provision that has been installed but is not being updated to meet future needs.
Plugging the gap that exists between companies that either run, or are considering running EVs on fleets, and the number of charging points available does not require a complex solution, but the ongoing commitment to ensuring charging infrastructure readiness should be a higher priority for the majority of businesses, states Mark Pymm, founder of ChargedEV.
“Many businesses have taken the first steps towards EV charging infrastructure provision, with stop gap measures installed as a first step for many, however we see very few businesses taking any further steps after this,” commented Pymm.
“The need for thorough fleet analysis is crucial for ensuring a successful and future proofed infrastructure installation. If the fleets total charging needs are not understood through telematics data, then they can never be successfully met. While the provision of some basic charging points can feel like a box ticked, it’s likely that companies will be sleepwalking into higher costs and problems further down the road,” he added.
With some businesses considering multi-plug installations without a detailed analysis of their fleets’ needs and movements, it is likely that efficiencies will be missed, and over-spending will occur. It is often the case that installing sockets at a business premises results in the need to change grid supplies, a costly endeavour. If a fleet’s movements mean that its vehicles will rarely need to be charged at the same time, then this cost can be avoided entirely.
Mark added, “While the installation of one or two sockets per location may be enough to provide for the needs of a fleet in 2023, it will likely not be sufficient for long as the number of EVs on a company’s fleet rises. More than just underserving its driver’s needs, these stop gap measures do not allow a business to take advantage of the technology and bespoke packages that are available to help them today.”
ChargedEV has installed more than 35,000 domestic and workplace chargers to date, and it prides itself on simplifying the process for customers by managing every aspect of the process from local authority authorisation, groundworks, and connection to the local grid supply, to advising on leaseholder agreements, building regulations, installation and maintenance.
Through the provision of telematics information, which can be arranged through its sister company, Northgate Vehicle Hire, ChargedEV is able to offer expert advice on the best way of providing for an electrified fleet now, and in the future.
